Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lawrence, KS: $61,113 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Lawrence, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $61,113/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $67,720 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the compensation landscape for seasoned elementary school teachers in Lawrence, KS, reveals the high potential for top earners to secure an annual salary of $61,113, substantially higher than the median salary of $50,803. This significant gap exemplifies the experience premium that comes with advanced teaching roles, emphasizing the value of continued professional growth and specialization in obtaining higher compensation. Achieving the pinnacle of the salary range demands not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also a commitment to ongoing education and pedagogical development. For those willing to navigate this pathway, the senior positions hold the promise of enhanced financial rewards, especially in a market characterized by increasing demand for skilled educators.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $61,113 and $61,113 per year (2026 est.). This $12,592 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $50,803 sits 21.35% below the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,803 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,113 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $61,113 | $105,363 |
In Lawrence, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 20.29% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $50,803 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $61,113–$61,113 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced elementary school teachers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured elementary school teachers in Lawrence with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Elementary School Teachers in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Elementary School Teacher Career & Wage Growth Path in Lawrence
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #22 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $61,113).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Lawrence ($61,113) is 5.93% below the Kansas average P90 ($64,964).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,790
2025 BLS Actual
$60,520
2026 Current Est.
$61,113
2019–2027 Growth
+-0.1%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,113 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,712 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow -2.1% from $61,790 in 2019 to $60,520 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 0.98% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $61,712 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Elementary School Teacher Earnings in Lawrence
High-level teaching roles in Lawrence command premium pay, particularly in areas experiencing shortages, such as STEM, special education, and English Language Learners (ELL). These specializations not only warrant respect but often come with additional stipends, reflecting the distinctive needs within districts. The senior teacher pay structure varies based on employer types, where public K-12 districts typically follow a step-and-lane pay scale while charter schools might provide varying compensation dependent on their mission and resources. Additionally, teachers who ascend to leadership roles—like mentor teachers, instructional coaches, or even administrative positions—often see substantial compensation boosts. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as a Master's degree or National Board Certification, further enhances earning potential. Furthermore, non-salary incentives, including stipends for high-demand specializations and opportunities for summer contracts, augment the overall compensation package for senior elementary school teachers in Lawrence, making the profession not just rewarding in terms of impact but also in financial stability.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Lawrence?
Related Pages
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $60,520 for elementary school teachers in the Lawrence metro area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov